Gillian Anderson Reflects on Career Sacrifices and Parenting Choices

Gillian Anderson recently shared insights about the choices and sacrifices she made as her career in Hollywood developed, acknowledging their impact on her family. Reflecting on her experience as both an actress and a parent, Anderson expressed some regret about prioritizing work over family during the early years of motherhood.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Anderson highlighted the challenges she faced balancing motherhood with her demanding role in ‘The X-Files,’ where she played FBI Special Agent Dana Scully and became renowned worldwide. She noted her decision to work long hours and the consequences it had on her ability to be fully present for her daughter.

“I have absolutely no regrets in my life,” Anderson said before reconsidering. “No, there are a couple of things, in terms of early parenting, that I now would say, I wish I’d thought this through or I wish I’d been less selfish.”

Anderson became a mother at 26, welcoming her daughter Piper with her first husband, Clyde Klotz, who was part of ‘The X-Files’ team. Her career was rapidly rising at the time, with long filming days occupying much of her schedule.

After Anderson and Klotz divorced in 1997, Piper experienced life split between her mother’s hectic work schedule in Los Angeles and her father in Vancouver. To keep Piper’s education consistent, she attended French lycée in both cities, traveling frequently between parents.

Anderson spoke about how challenging this was for her daughter. “It was intense for her, with no French in the household, to suddenly be getting a plane every three weeks,” Anderson recalled. “It’s a lot to ask of a six-year-old.”

Through 17-hour workdays, Anderson did not feel she could push against such demands, despite holding significant roles on the show alongside David Duchovny. She realized that she had untapped influence given her central role.

“That show couldn’t have done without [me], and so I had leverage that I’m not sure I knew,” Anderson explained.

Gillian also touched on previous reflections about how she might have made different choices to allow for more time with her children.

In a past interview, she wondered if a smaller life would have been possible if she chose to work less. “There’s another version of my life where I could have worked less, had a smaller life, and been more present as a parent,” she said.

Despite these reflections, Anderson continued working often and steadily following ‘The X-Files.’ She later welcomed sons Oscar and Felix with businessman Mark Griffiths, suggesting her approach to parenting evolved.

Nevertheless, Anderson maintains an active career, with recent notable performances in productions such as ‘The Crown,’ ‘Sex Education,’ and ‘The Salt Path.’ She also appears in Jane Schoenbrun’s film, ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,’ which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival.

As she approaches her 60s, Anderson acknowledged her ongoing dedication to her work, contemplating future plans. “I feel very lucky to still be working,” she told The Sunday Times, considering slowing down to explore directing and art but also re-evaluating those plans as her enjoyment grows.